Steelman will try an end run into the NFL

After finishing one catch inside Foley Athletic Center, Steelman said with a smile, "I messed up. I should have been playing wideout all this time."

Steelman, Army's four-year starting option quarterback, knows his future at the next level isn't under center.

NFL teams including the Jets are intrigued by the 6-foot, 200-pound Steelman as a slot receiver.

The Jets were the only team intrigued enough to send a scout to Steelman's pro day Wednesday at West Point.

Greg Nejmeh focused on Steelman's footwork, route running and hands.

Steelman dropped just one of Army quarterbacks coach Andy Guyader's 25 passes.

"He just told me today that my feet are very, very impressive for not running a lot of routes," Steelman said. "He just said keep working and he'll be in touch."

Steelman was looking forward to this day ever since he impressed at the East-West Shrine all-star game on Jan. 19. Steelman scored the East's only touchdown off a wildcat formation, snapped on its extra point and played in punt coverage.

Steelman didn't spend his spring break on a beach last week. He was in Atlanta, training with Falcons offensive lineman Garrett Reynolds.

"It was a great experience just to be working out with somebody who has made it and knows the ins and out of what goes on in the NFL, how to train and get ready to play," said Steelman, Army's all-time leader in rushing touchdowns.

Reynolds advised Steelman to not get caught up in the numbers of pro day.

But one number puzzled Steelman. He was unofficially clocked at 4.65 seconds in the 40-yard dash. One Army coach had Steelman as fast as 4.52 seconds on his watch.

"I've been consistently timing in the low 4.5s," Steelman said. "It is what it is. It's hard to come out here and perform to the best of your ability with eyes on you. At the same time, it's not all about what you run. I had a great workout catching the ball."

Steelman's speed could be the determining factor on if he's a late-round pick in next month's NFL draft or offered a free-agent contract.

Steelman's workout, which included bench pressing 225 pounds, 40-yard sprints and agility drills, was taped and will be distributed to other NFL teams.

The Patriots, Ravens and Giants are showing the most interest, Steelman said.

If Steelman is signed by a team, he still must complete two years of active duty before requesting his release from the Army.

"Army is always first," said Steelman, who is specializing in supplies after graduation. "That's why I came here to be a part of the military. At the same time, the NFL is a lifelong goal of mine as well as being part of the military. Both are great opportunities for me."